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UGNN Editor and Publisher Fred Showker takes an in-depth look at the latest hi-tech plague; Spyware. Here are pointers and links to leading industry white papers.
We've ranted about the digital evils for ten years now, and you would think everyone has gotten the picture. In these times of broadband, it is increasingly important to have a firewall on your network. Broadband router firewalls can help keep the low-lifes on the Internet from getting into your computer. Spyware however is a different threat. Much of the spyware (probably on your computer right now) comes from what would seem like perfectly legal and trustworthy sources! Some you even install willingly, not knowing it's going to report back to its owner. (Like Adobe spyware.) The problem is how do you know it's there, which is good, which is bad, and how to act upon it.
Let's look at some of the best front-line defenses you can manage on your own to help thwart would-be spies and identity thieves -- for both Macintosh and Windows users.
First, I've gathered probably the most important articles and white papers on the topic from thousands which have appeared over the past year.
File Swapping Services Find New Ways To Leech Off Others
Bryan Chaffin from Mac Observer (9/27/02) says:
"... one file swapping service -- Kazaa, if I remember correctly -- set up a virtual network of ad hosting that leeches off of the bandwidth, as well as CPU power, paid for by its users. The losers in that fiasco were the bandwidth providers whose fee structures were set up for individual users, and not hosting services. The unmitigated gall of such an action truly stuns me."
See: The Back Page
Kim Komando fields caller's questions
During her Saturday morning radio show about "Spyware" Kim Komando responds to a caller who says: "Two adult sites have appeared in Internet Explorer without my knowledge. My wife is accusing me of looking at pornography and I haven't. Can you explain this so I don't lose my marriage?"
Kim replies: "You apparently are the victim of adware or spyware, hidden software the tracks your surfing habits and pops up Web advertising based the sites you have visited."
See: Kim's Anti-Spyware Shareware Page (WestStar TalkRadio Network (c), to subscribe to Kim's free weekly newsletter, send e-mail to subscribe@komando.com
Stop, look and listen before downloading a freebie
Columnist Nick Clayton (Fri 23 Apr 2004) warns of various threats from his desk at "safer-networking.org" ... "How often have you downloaded a program without reading through the terms and conditions, even though you ticked the box to say you had? Adware is a growing phenomenon which has the potential to be as destructive as viruses and spam, with which it has much in common."
See: news.scotsman.com
Sleuthing out a computer's spyware
Brian Kladko of the Detroit Free Press says: "The latest scourge of the Internet takes many forms, and one of them is a cute purple gorilla. So, you think you have spyware on your computer?" (Apr 20, 2004) See: Sleuthing spyware
Spyware the latest hi-tech plague - CNN says: "Add another online hazard to the list: spyware. ... Spyware can sap computing power, crash machines and bury users under a blizzard of unwanted ads..." (Apr 20, 2004) See: Spyware
What's the Best Way to Stop Spyware? - PC World says: "Technology leaders and government officials remain locked in battle over how to fight spyware, but at least they agree the war is on, if not who the enemy is." (Apr 20, 2004) See: PC World: Spyware
To foil intruders, install a counterspy - Thomas J. Fitzgerald, (International Herald Tribune April 24, 2004) says:
"If your computer seems sluggish or your Web browser suddenly begins to act as if it is possessed by advertisements, there is a good chance that stealthy programs known as spyware or adware have slipped onboard. The bad news is that you are not alone. A rising tide of complaints has erupted around the world about spyware, and some lawmakers have promised to take action." See: "Counterspy"
FTC Tackles Spyware Concerns - Ross Fadner, mediapost.com says:
"Recently, an internal investigation revealed that a spyware program had actually infiltrated the NAI's Web site and sent spam messages out under the NAI's name. After some irksome clean-up work, the problem was resolved, but this is just one example of many horror stories about Web site hijackings, browser setting alterations, and identity theft that pervaded Monday's FTC workshop, "Monitoring Software on Your PC: Spyware, Adware and Other Software."
See: Ross's article with a look at the industry and government's position on Spyware Concerns
[NAI = Network Advertising Initiative]
Next: Let's take a look at what you can do about spyware...
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